ROCHESTER, Mich. — Five Golden Grizzlies had career nights, leading Oakland (1-14, 1-2 HL) to their first win of the season over Cleveland State (2-11, 0-3 HL)  in four sets (25-19, 25-21, 23-25, 28-26), on Tuesday inside the OU Credit Union O'rena. The home team recorded 68 kills with a .268 hitting percentage, overcoming a strong serving performance by CSU, as well as amassing 84 digs from the back row to hit team season highs.

Outside hitter Libby Smith led Oakland with a career high 22 kills and a .367 hitting percentage over four games. Setter Delaney Stern was crucial in setting up the attackers, recording a career 55 assists with Oakland running a 5-1 offense as libero Lyse Bates contributed defensively, tying her career best 26 digs, providing critical coverage on the back line. Middle blockers Ellen Zapp and Anika Prisby were efficient on the attack. Zapp achieved 12 kills with a .400 hitting percentage, the best of her rookie season, as Prisby matched her career high 14 kills, operating off of a .313 hitting clip help secure a Black and Gold victory.

The Golden Grizzlies opened the first set against the Vikings with a steady start despite an early 3-0 deficit. Zapp and Smith helped keep Oakland competitive, each contributing multiple kills to maintain close scorelines throughout. Prisby and opposite hitter Caroline Moore also added key points, allowing Oakland to edge back into contention. The set saw several tied scores, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Later in the frame, Oakland capitalized on CSU errors and a strong closing sequence by Smith, who delivered four consecutive kills to clinch the set. Oakland leveraged a late surge to gain a six-point win and establish an early lead in the match.

Oakland capitalized on early momentum in the second set, launching a 3-0 run initiated by an attack error from CSU's Laken Voss, followed by kills from Smith and Zapp. They extended their lead to 6-1 with a series of strong attacks and forced errors from the Vikings. However, Cleveland State responded with a six-point run, leveling the score at 8-8, fueled by service aces and a series of Oakland errors. As the set progressed, Oakland regained control with key contributions from Prisby and outside hitter Ella Martin, pushing the score to 20-18. Prisby continued to be a crucial factor, leading the charge with multiple kills, complemented by Martin's offensive plays. Oakland maintained their lead despite Cleveland State's attempts to close the gap, ultimately securing the set with a 25-21 victory, ending on a Cleveland State service error.

The third set saw the Golden Grizzlies aiming to maintain its competitive edge, with Zapp and Smith contributing early kills to keep the score tight. Despite trading points in the early stages, the Vikings managed to establish a slight lead through effective setup plays by Isabella Gibbons and timely kills from Chloe List. Mid-set, Oakland rallied with opposite hitter Ella Schomer and Bates making key plays to level the score at various points. A service ace by outside hitter Molly Reck and strong attacking by Smith helped Oakland take a brief lead. However, Cleveland State responded with a series of successful back-to-back kills, edging them ahead in the final phase.

Oakland opened the fourth set with momentum, taking an early 2-0 lead with two back-to-back kills by Smith, assisted by Stern. A brief exchange of errors allowed CSU to level the score at 3-3, but Oakland regained control with a kill by Schomer to edge ahead. The Vikings responded with a series of service aces and a kills, pulling ahead with a seven point advantage. Oakland narrowed the gap with a service ace by Zapp and a kill off the hand of Prisby, cutting the deficit to 16-11, although Cleveland State extended their lead to the largest of the set: eight points. Oakland steadily chipped away at the lead, taking on a 6-2 run before earning four straight points off of Viking errors to bring the deficit to one. Smith later delivered multiple critical kills, tying the score at 23-23. The teams traded points in a tense sequence, with Oakland overcoming Cleveland State's set point three times. Ultimately, Oakland secured the set with back-to-back kills from Schomer, winning 28-26.

The Golden Grizzlies continue their Horizon League slate over the weekend at Robert Morris.  Oakland will face the Colonials Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. with live streaming from Moon Township, Penn. available on ESPN+.


How to Follow Oakland Volleyball: For complete information on Oakland Volleyball, follow the team on X at @OaklandWVB and head coach Krista Rice at @KKg1007. The team is also on Instagram.